Toronto - Ontario: On March 2nd, the Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance paid tribute to this year's recipients of the GTA International Awards of Distinction. The awards were presented in recognition of the outstanding achievements by individuals or organizations that have contributed to raising the international profile of the Greater Toronto Area through their leadership, marketing and investment attraction activities.

Meeting the challenges and beating the odds in 2003 truly required the collective efforts of some extraordinary individuals and organizations. The gala dinner attended by over 350 guests from across the GTA at the Four Season Hotel Toronto, builds on the strong spirit of partnership generated by both the public and private sector in working collaboratively with the Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance.

Among the distinguished list of winners at this year's award where Elyse Allan of the Toronto Board of Trade, Molson Canada, Siemens Business Services of Canada, Ian Martin Ltd, Mirvish Productions, and Dr. Sheela Basrur. The evening also paid tribute to Mayor Hazel McCallion, the recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award for her Worship's longstanding commitment and leadership to economic development in the GTA.

David Mirvish and his mother and Anne Mirvish
Mirvish Productions has generated millions of dollars in tourism revenues and ensured jobs for thousands of people. After the SARS outbreak, Mirvish Productions was the first to come forward. They partnered with hotels, attractions, restaurants, the City and the Province to entice tourists back to the city. Mirvish Productions was unrelenting in its efforts to counter the real and potential effects of SARS on our tourism economy.

Mayor Hazel McCallion - City of Mississauga
Well-known locally as the dynamic Mayor of Mississauga, Hazel McCallion is also recognized beyond our borders as an international ambassador for the Greater Toronto Area. During her 25 years as the City's Mayor, she has used her expertise and influence to effect change at home and abroad. Her formidable drive and "running like a business" philosophy, has been instrumental in attracting companies and economic investment to her city. It was Mayor McCallion's leadership and vision that brought the municipalities in the GTA together, which ultimately led to the creation of the Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance.